PatternVault

In celebration of St. David’s Day, here’s an early McCall’s pattern by Laura Ashley (1925–1985), who was born in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales.

Laura Ashley started licensing patterns with McCall’s in 1975, some fourteen years after the company opened its first shop, in Machynlleth. This “Carefree” design for a cropped jacket, blouse, and jumper was available in misses’ and junior sizes. (View the envelope back here.)

The austere, maxi-length Laura Ashley original was photographed in front of a picturesque Tudor cottage. The cottage is on-brand, but the black and white fabrics are unusual from this Welsh designer who was known for her prints.

Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus!